New robotic technology to speed up lung cancer diagnosis at John Radcliffe Hospital
The advanced system is expected to benefit 150 patients every year
A new robotic-assisted system supporting early and accurate diagnosis of lung cancer has been introduced at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH).
The Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) system is expected to benefit around 150 patients across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley, who previously would have travelled to specialist centres in London.
It allows clinicians to navigate a thin, flexible robotic-assisted tube through a patient's airways deep into the lungs, allowing them reach small or hard-to-access nodules (lumps).
Clinicians can then take precise tissue samples (biopsies) with high safety and accuracy to help confirm or rule out a lung cancer diagnosis.
By integrating robotic navigation with advanced imaging, the system supports earlier diagnosis and reduces the need for multiple procedures.
This leads to quicker answers for many patients, fewer hospital visits, and care closer to home.
It can also e used to mark tumours before surgery, helping surgeons perform more targeted and minimally invasive procedures when suitable.
Dr Alastair Moore, a Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and Lung Cancer at OUH, explained: “This technology allows us to safely and accurately biopsy lung nodules that were previously very difficult to reach.
"That means we can diagnose more patients at an earlier stage and with greater confidence, using a single procedure where multiple tests may previously have been needed.
"For patients, it can mean quicker answers, fewer repeat investigations and receiving specialist care much closer to home rather than travelling long distances.”
Linda Gilder, 70, from Didcot, was one of the first beneficiaries of the new system following NHS lung cancer screening.
Feeling healthy, Linda was surprised to discover she had lung cancer.
The procedure confirmed her early diagnosis, and she subsequently underwent surgery, receiving an all-clear afterwards.
She said: “I felt a bit nervous but also quite privileged to be one of the first patients to have the procedure in Oxford.
"Everything happened so quickly I still can’t quite get my head around it, from diagnosis to being given the all clear.
"The care was marvellous and the whole process went incredibly smoothly.”
The integration of RAB at OUH aligns with national efforts to improve cancer outcomes through earlier diagnosis, and only a limited number of NHS trusts currently offer this technology.
Oxford Hospitals Charity contributed to funding essential equipment, such as a specialist carbon fibre procedure table from GE HealthCare, which is crucial for the precision imaging necessary for RAB.
Felicity Taylor‑Drewe, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, expressed: “We are proud to bring this advanced technology to Oxford and to make it available for our patients.
"We know we have more to do to improve our cancer waiting times and this is an important step in our development plan. Earlier diagnosis is vital to improving outcomes for people with lung cancer.
"This investment will help ensure more patients can access highly specialised diagnostic procedures closer to home and receive answers more quickly.
"It also reflects our commitment to adopting innovative technologies that improve patient experience and support our clinical teams to deliver the very best care.”